Pregnancy and Cat Litter Box: All You Need to Know

 

Cleaning a litter box while pregnant is a task that comes with certain health considerations, primarily because of the risk of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection. Toxoplasmosis can pose serious health risks to the developing fetus, including birth defects and miscarriage. However, with the right precautions, managing a litter box during pregnancy can be done safely. This blog post will cover the risks associated with toxoplasmosis, how it's contracted from cat feces, and the best practices for safely handling a litter box while pregnant.

 

Can I clean my cat litter box while pregnant?

Pregnant women are not recommended to clean cat litter boxes. This is because a cat's feces may contain a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, causing an infection called toxoplasmosis, which can be transmitted to humans.

If the pregnant woman become infected with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, she may become sick and pass the disease to her baby. If she get toxoplasmosis early in pregnancy, it can cause serious birth defects in her baby, such as premature birth, blindness, or brain damage. Typically, a pregnant woman infected with Toxoplasma does not develop symptoms, but she can still pass it on to her developing baby (called congenital toxoplasmosis).

If the pregnant woman become infected during pregnancy, she can be treated with medication, but she and her baby must be closely monitored during pregnancy and after birth.

If the pregnant woman has had toxoplasmosis in the past, she is usually considered immune, which can protect her unborn child from infection. According to the CDC: "Some experts suggest waiting for 6 months after a recent infection to become pregnant."

 

What is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite *Toxoplasma gondii*. While the infection often goes unnoticed in healthy adults, it can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Often, outdoor cats are the culprits of toxoplasmosis infections. They become infected with the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis by eating infected animals or raw meat. When a cat is infected with Toxoplasma gondii, it sheds the parasite in its feces, which can be transmitted to humans who come into contact with infected feces one to five days after shedding.

But if your cat is an indoor cat that only eats cat food and has no contact with outside animals, your risk of contracting toxoplasmosis through your cat is lower.

 

Safeguarding Against Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy

You can reduce your chance of contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy by taking the following precautions:

• Avoid Cleaning the Litter Box If Possible. The simplest precaution is to delegate this chore to another household member during your pregnancy. If you must change the litter yourself, do so daily and take precautions (please keep reading to learn more) when cleaning your cat litter box.

• Feed your pet a complete and balanced cat food rather than raw or undercooked meat.

• Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil, as soil may contain contaminated cat feces. Wash your hands with soap when finished.

• Wash your hands, knives, cutting boards, and countertops after handling raw meat, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth before washing your hands.

• Handle Food Safely. Since toxoplasmosis can also be transmitted through contaminated food, ensure to cook all meat to safe temperatures, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoid untreated water.

 

Precautions for Cleaning Litter Box while Pregnant

While pregnant women should avoid cleaning the cat litter box if possible, if you must do so, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in the environment. Here are some tips for safely changing cat litter during pregnancy:

• Wear Gloves and a Mask. If you must clean the litter box yourself, wear disposable gloves and consider a mask to avoid contact with infected feces or breathing in dust particles that may contain parasites. Dispose of the gloves immediately after use.

• Wash Hands Thoroughly. After handling the litter box, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

• Clean the Litter Box Daily. The *Toxoplasma* parasites become infectious one to five days after being shed in a cat’s feces. Cleaning the litter box daily reduces the risk of transmission.

• Keep Indoor Cats Indoors. Limiting your cat’s exposure to infected prey by keeping them indoors reduces the chances of them becoming carriers.

• Avoid stray cats and adopt new cats during pregnancy.

• Use self-cleaning cat litter box. Self-cleaning litter boxes generally collect and seal cat feces in the litter box in a short period, which can reduce the risk of contact with infected feces. But wear gloves and a mask when throwing away trash, and wash your hands with soap after throwing away trash. Check out our top pick self-cleaning cat litter boxes.

 

Do I have to give up my cat if pregnant?

No, you don't have to give up your cat while pregnant.

The possible effects of toxoplasmosis may sound scary, but with appropriate precautions you can effectively reduce the risk of exposure and protect the health and safety of your unborn child.

By understanding how toxoplasmosis is transmitted and taking steps to minimize exposure, pregnant individuals can safely coexist with their feline friends without undue worry. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personal advice and if you have any concerns about toxoplasmosis or handling a litter box during your pregnancy.